Over the past few years, we’ve seen a number of department store chains investing in alternative energies and now Kohl’s [1]has also jumped on board the green bandwagon by announcing a pilot program that will install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations[2] at 33 stores nationwide. The scheme is a joint venture between Kohl’s, ECOtality Inc[3]. and Coulomb Technologies[4], all of whom have received infrastructure pilot programs funded partially through the U.S. Department of Energy.

At the participating stores, one to four parking spaces (depending on demand) will be reserved for EV drivers to charge at no cost while they shop. The charging stations will be able to be activated by EV drivers in various ways including radio frequency identification (RFID)[5] cards that will be available at Kohl’s customer service desks. Alternatively, phone numbers will be provided on the charging stations which drivers can call in order to start the process.

Speaking about the proposed pilot program, John Worthington, Kohl’s chief administrative officer said: “Kohl’s pilot of electric vehicle charging stations demonstrates our commitment to advancing environmental solutions in a meaningful and tangible way for our customers. Not only are these stations an added shopper convenience, they also encourage environmental responsibility among our shoppers. We will continue to explore additional locations to pilot charging stations at our stores nationwide.”

The plan is part of Kohl’s[1] commitment to, in their words, “become a leading environmentally responsible retailer through strategies including waste reduction and recycling, environmentally responsible building design and operation, use and support of renewable energy, energy efficiency initiatives and stakeholder engagement.” Well, it’s a start. Here’s hoping that EV popularity continues to grow and thus the number of EV charging stations.